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It's safe to say that Cottonwood would love to forget its season-opener against Alta. The Colts were bludgeoned 59-20 by the two-time state Class 5A champions.
Yet, Cottonwood's response to the defeat was to win eight of its final 10, including the 23-7 victory against Viewmont in the first round of the 5A football playoffs. The Colts, Region 2 winners, have outscored their last three opponents 129-15.
Still, Cottonwood (8-3) coach Cecil Thomas expects to have his hands full when the Colts once against visit Region 4 champions Alta (9-2) on Friday at 5 p.m.
"Hopefully they don't boat race us like the last time," Thomas said. "No doubt we've grown as a football team since then. I've felt like everything is starting to jell across the board. Everybody knows their role now.
"The kids want another crack at those guys. Anytime you get embarrassed, it is a hard pill to swallow."
The Hawks have won six consecutive games since Brighton's 21-10 upset victory Sept. 18. Alta defeated Fremont 38-14 in its first-round game.
"It will be tough, but our team is ready," Cottonwood quarterback Crosby Jensen said. "Our team is ready to go. We've learned a lot.
"We just have to start fast and have our defense play well."
Cottonwood definitely does not want Alta to open quickly. The Hawks led 14-0 following first quarter and 24- at the half. Then again, Alta also scored 28 points in the third period.
"We'll watch film and see what we can take advantage of," Thomas said. "They played in a tough region. We just have to try and put a plan together and hopefully execute it."
Thomas was pleased with Cottonwood's focus in its first-round win against Viewmont, The Colts didn't put the game away until the fourth quarter when they scored two touchdowns.
Workhorse back Nadan Hosea was called on 40 times and ran for 195 yards with one score. Cottonwood also took advantage of Viking turnovers.
"For sure, our defense has stepped big time the last couple of games," said Jensen, who has thrown for more than 2,300 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. "It's been interesting to watch the [Alta] film again. We'll make some minor adjustments."
Crosby jensen | Cottonwood quarterback
